Lavelle's defeat means Democrats now hold a 12-9 advantage in the Senate, with state Rep. Trey Paradee, a Dover Democrat, having won a decisive victory over Republican Camden Mayor Justin King to retain the seat previously held by retiring Democrat Brian Bushweller.

It also means the Senate Republican caucus will need to find all new leaders when they meet for the first time on Wednesday. Given that Sussex County is now clearly the home of the GOP in Delaware, the two most likely candidates are Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, R-Georgetown and Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View.

Griffith's victory in the House means Democrats extended their majority to 26-15.

Outside of those changes, a number of seats will be held by new faces when the Legislature reconvenes in January, thanks largely to numerous retiring incumbents.

Five of the 21 Senate seats will be held by newcomers. In addition to Sturgeon and Paradee, they include fellow Democratic state Sens. Darius Brown and Elizabeth "Tizzy" Lockman, both from Wilmington, along with former state Rep. David Wilson of Lincoln.

A dozen members of the state House – nearly a third of the chamber – will be sworn in for the first time.

Lisa Blunt Rochester is greeted at the podium by US Senator Chris Coons after she was reelected to her seat in the House of Representatives at the DoubleTree Hotel in Wilmington Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Former state attorney general Charles Oberly watches from the stage as Kathy Jennings celebrates her state attorney general win at the DoubleTree Hotel in Wilmington Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Campaign workers get in a last word for their candidates as voters arrive at the polling station at P.S. DuPont Middle School in Wilmington just before 6 p.m. Tuesday. WILLIAM BRETZGER, The News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Gov. John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

State Auditor candidate Kathy McGuiness greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters have a photo taken with candidates at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney with 1st time voters Alex Downs and Chloe Bartholomey from Lewes at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Delaware Governor John Carney greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

State Auditor candidate Kathy McGuiness greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Voters head to the pools at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support. Chuck Snyder/Special to the News Journal

Dave Baker candidate for State Senate greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

U.S. Senator Tom Carper greets voters at Cape Henlopen High School near Lewes as turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places as candidates still seek supporters for their support.
Special to the News Journal / CHUCK SNYDER Chuck Snyder, Credit Photo/CHUCK SNYDER

Sen. Tom Carper shows his wife Martha his drivers license that he forgot in the car and had to go back to get before he could cast his midterm votes at P.S. duPont Middle School on Tuesday. Jennifer Corbett, The News Journal

U.S Senate Candidate Rob Arlett supporters at the Roxana Fire Station on Election Day. Voter turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places in Rehoboth, Roxana and Angola. Chuck Snyder, Special to The News Journal

U.S Senate Candidate Rob Arlett supporters at the Roxana Fire Station on Election Day. Voter turnout in eastern Sussex County has been steady at polling places in Rehoboth, Roxana and Angola. Chuck Snyder, Special to The News Journal